Team analysis: Deportivo Alaves
Deportivo Alaves come into this match after a 2-2 draw against Osasuna in the last round of La Liga, which was the first league match under new coach Eduardo Coudet. Although they took the lead in the first minute of the game, Alaves could not hold on to the lead and ended the game with just one point thanks to Quique Garcia’s second goal in the 68th minute.
The form of Alaves is quite worrying, as they are without a win in the league since the beginning of November. With four wins, three draws and nine losses, the team is in 16th place in the table, just two points above the relegation zone. They finished a solid 10th last season, but current performances suggest they will be fighting for survival this year.
A particular problem for Alaves is their poor history in head-to-head matches with Athletic Bilbao. In the last five meetings in La Liga, they did not manage to achieve a victory, while last season they were defeated both times by an identical score of 2-0. This time, they will rely on the solid games of Quique Garcia, as well as the organization of the game brought by the new coach Coudet. However, with their defensive problems so far, it will be difficult for them to withstand the pressure against the form of the opposing team.
Team analysis: Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao enters this match in fantastic form. Ernesto Valverde’s team is unbeaten in the last 12 matches in all competitions, nine of which have been wins. In addition, Bilbao are coming off the back of six straight wins, including big triumphs over Real Madrid and Villarreal in La Liga.
With 32 points won from 17 matches, Athletic occupies the fourth place in the table, and only six points separate them from the leaders Barcelona. This season could be historic for the Basque team, especially if they continue with these performances. Their last game in the Europa League was another triumph, this time against Fenerbahçe in Turkey (2-0), which gave them an additional psychological lift.
However, Athletic have problems with consistency in away matches in La Liga. In seven games on the side, they managed to win only 11 points, with three wins. This data leaves room for optimism for Alaves, but the form of key players such as the Williams brothers, Oihan Sanceta and Gorka Guruzeta is currently at a very high level, which gives the visitors a great advantage.
Betting suggestion: Athletic Bilbao to score more than 1.5 goals
Considering Athletico’s current form, especially in attack, this betting proposition is very realistic. Ernesto Valverde’s side have managed two or more goals per match in their last six games in all competitions, including big wins against Real Madrid (3-1) and Villarreal (2-0) in La Liga, as well as Fenerbahce ( 2-0) in the Europa League.
Although Alaves play at home, their defense has been shaky throughout the season. The team has conceded as many as 28 goals in 16 La Liga matches so far, which makes them one of the teams with the worst defensive statistics in the league. Athletic’s forwards, led by the Williams brothers and Oihan Sanceta, will surely want to exploit these weaknesses.
Quota 2.60
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